Kelly Park, nestled in the heart of Central Florida, is a natural gem renowned for its crystal-clear spring waters and lush landscapes. Specifically, Rock Springs within Kelly Park offers an idyllic escape for nature lovers, families, and anyone seeking a refreshing outdoor adventure. This guide will explore everything you need to know to plan your perfect visit to Kelly Park Rock Springs, Florida, ensuring a memorable experience in this stunning natural park.
Planning Your Visit to Kelly Park
Before heading out to enjoy the pristine waters of Rock Springs, some key information will help you make the most of your trip. Knowing the park’s operating hours, fees, and capacity limitations is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Park Hours and Seasons
Kelly Park operates with seasonal hours to accommodate varying daylight and visitor traffic. From March to early November, the park welcomes guests from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering extended hours during the warmer months. Between November and March, park hours are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It’s important to note that the swimming area and trails close one hour before the park’s official closing time to allow for safe and orderly park closure.
Admission Fees and Payment
Access to Kelly Park and the wonders of Rock Springs comes with a nominal admission fee, contributing to the park’s upkeep and preservation. The fee structure is as follows:
- Vehicles with 1-2 people: $3 per vehicle
- Vehicles with 3-8 people: $5 per vehicle
- Additional persons/walk-ins/motorcycles/bikes: $1 per person
Payment is accepted in cash or via Visa, MasterCard, or Discover credit cards, with a valid photo ID required for credit card transactions.
Park Capacity and Re-entry
Kelly Park’s popularity, especially during summer and holidays, often leads to it reaching its daily visitor capacity. To maintain a quality experience and protect the natural environment, the park limits entry to 280 vehicles each morning, with an additional 50 vehicles allowed after 1 p.m. with an afternoon parking pass. These limitations mean the park frequently fills to capacity by mid-morning.
To check if the park is currently at capacity, visitors can check the official Orange County website or call the Kelly Park Information Line at 407-254-1906 for real-time updates. Re-entry is generally not permitted when the park is full, so it’s advisable to plan your visit to arrive early, especially during peak seasons.
Activities and Amenities at Kelly Park
Kelly Park Rock Springs offers a variety of activities centered around its natural spring and surrounding environment, making it a versatile destination for different interests.
Tubing on Rock Springs Run
The highlight for many visitors is tubing down the Rock Springs Run. This naturally flowing spring maintains a refreshing 68-degree Fahrenheit temperature year-round, providing a cool respite from the Florida heat. Guests can bring their own tubes or rent them from vendors located just outside the park entrance. It’s important to note that any personal floats must be less than five feet in length or width. Pool noodles are also permitted. The gentle current of Rock Springs makes for a relaxing and enjoyable tubing experience for all ages.
Swimming in the Spring
Besides tubing, swimming is a popular activity in the designated swimming area of Rock Springs. The clear, cool spring water is incredibly inviting. Lifeguards are often on duty during peak seasons to ensure swimmer safety. However, it’s always wise to supervise children closely, especially as lifeguards are not present year-round. Life jackets and puddle jumpers are allowed for children and less confident swimmers, but water wings are not permitted as they are not Coast Guard approved flotation devices. The swimming area closes one hour prior to the park closing.
Camping at Kelly Park and Camp Joy
For those wanting to extend their visit, Kelly Park offers tent and RV camping options. Campers must remain in the designated campground area outside of park operating hours as common areas and the waterfront are closed. Individual campsite reservations can be made online through the Orange County Parks and Recreation website.
Group campsites and dormitory-style accommodations are also available at Kelly Park’s Camp Joy, a sister site. Reservations for group camping at Camp Joy can be made by emailing [email protected]. Remember that campsites and pavilions are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and full payment is required at the time of booking.
Kayak, Canoe, and Paddle Board Launch at Camp Joy
Adjacent to Kelly Park, Camp Joy provides a primitive launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards onto Rock Springs Run. There are no rentals available at Kelly Park or Camp Joy, so visitors must bring their own vessels. The launch fee is the same as the park admission fee: $3 for 1-2 people and $5 for 3-8 people. Launching hours are limited to between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., and all guests must return by 5 p.m. Commercial activity is prohibited from the Camp Joy launch.
Other Park Amenities
Kelly Park is equipped with several amenities to enhance visitor comfort and convenience:
- Concession Stand: Open daily from spring break to early October, the concession stand offers a variety of food and beverages, including hotdogs, hamburgers, snacks, and refreshments. It also sells essential items like charcoal, condiments, and bug spray.
- Picnic Pavilions: Picnic pavilions are available for reservation, perfect for family gatherings or group events. Reservations can be made by calling the park directly or emailing [email protected].
- Playground: A playground area provides entertainment for children, making Kelly Park a family-friendly destination.
- Restrooms and Lockers: Restroom facilities are available throughout the park. A limited number of lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with locks rentable from the concessionaire.
Important Park Rules and Regulations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors and to protect the natural integrity of Kelly Park Rock Springs, several rules and regulations are in place.
Pets and Alcohol Restrictions
To maintain the park’s natural environment and visitor experience, pets are not allowed in Kelly Park, with the exception of ADA service animals. Similarly, alcoholic beverages are prohibited on park property, as per Orange County ordinances. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the park.
Tube and Float Regulations
While tubes and floats are encouraged for enjoying Rock Springs Run, there are size restrictions. Floats must be less than five feet in length or width. The park does not provide tube rentals or air pumps, so visitors need to arrange for these externally.
Grills and Pop-up Shelters
Guests are welcome to bring grills for use in designated picnic areas, but they are not permitted near the waterfront. Propane grills are allowed, and charcoal grills are acceptable as long as hot coals are not dumped on the ground. Pop-up shelters no larger than 10×10 feet are permitted in picnic areas but not at the waterfront, and camping-style tents are restricted to the campground only. All tents must offer full visibility through the tent.
Drone Usage
Drone usage is permitted within Kelly Park but restricted to a designated take-off/landing area, which is the main picnic area adjacent to the drop-off zone. Low flyovers of the water are prohibited for safety reasons.
Safety and Wildlife Awareness
While Kelly Park is generally safe, it’s a natural environment, so awareness of potential wildlife is important. Alligators and snakes are occasionally sighted in the water, although not commonly. If an alligator is spotted, park staff should be notified immediately. The park also utilizes a lightning prediction system, and the swimming area may be closed during inclement weather, especially during lightning storms, for visitor safety.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Park
To further assist in planning your visit, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Kelly Park Rock Springs:
Q: How cold is the water at Rock Springs?
A: The water temperature remains a consistent 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.
Q: Where can I rent tubes for tubing on Rock Springs Run?
A: Tube rentals are available from various vendors located outside Kelly Park. The park itself does not offer tube rentals.
Q: Is Kelly Park pet-friendly?
A: No, pets are not permitted in Kelly Park or the campground, except for ADA service animals.
Q: Are there alligators or snakes in Rock Springs?
A: While not common, alligators and snakes are occasionally seen. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and notify park staff of any alligator sightings.
Q: Can I bring my own grill to Kelly Park?
A: Yes, grills are allowed in picnic areas, but not near the waterfront. Propane and charcoal grills are permitted, with responsible disposal of charcoal.
Q: What time should I arrive at Kelly Park to get in?
A: Especially during summer, the park often fills within an hour of opening. Arriving early, potentially before opening time, is recommended. On busy days, vouchers for 1 p.m. re-entry are sometimes distributed to the first 50 cars once the park reaches initial capacity.
Q: Is there a shuttle service back after tubing?
A: The tubing run is relatively short, about 25 minutes, and a paved sidewalk provides a 10-minute walk back to the main park area from the exit point. No shuttle service is needed or provided.
Q: Can we explore the cave at Rock Springs?
A: For public safety, access to the cave area is restricted.
Q: What payment methods are accepted at Kelly Park?
A: Kelly Park accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards with a valid photo ID for entry fees and concession purchases.
Conclusion
Kelly Park Rock Springs, Florida, offers a unique and refreshing natural escape. From the invigorating tubing run down Rock Springs to swimming in the crystal-clear spring water, and the various amenities available, Kelly Park provides a fantastic outdoor experience for individuals and families alike. By planning ahead, understanding the park’s rules, and arriving early, you can ensure a wonderful visit to this Central Florida natural treasure. Come and discover the beauty and tranquility of Kelly Park Rock Springs for yourself!
